"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Monday, July 04, 2016

Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

Focus Verses:Matthew 3:8, 11-128 "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." - - - 11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one
who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12
His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing
floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with
unquenchable fire."Insight:
John
the Baptist was a forerunner to Jesus. He preached a message of
repentance and was preparing the hearts and minds of people to recognize
and receive Christ.

Repentance and humility before
God are essential preparation for recognizing and receiving the
blessing and transformation that are Christ's to give. Those who truly
repent and believe are transformed by the Spirit, and are able to
produce fruit. Those who reject Jesus or give him mere lip service end
up with unchanged and fruitless lives. The difference is clear and
judgment is sure.

Response and Action:
I
want to find life, fulfillment, and transformation in Christ Jesus.
My faith must be more than words; it must be lived out with surrender,
obedience, hope, and expectation. I want a humble heart, open eyes, and
a receptive attitude toward Christ. I will earnestly seek him, listen
to him, and follow his leading. I cultivate my awareness of his
presence, my knowledge of his words, and my submission to his Spirit. I
want to be prepared and ready for his transforming and fruitful work
in my life.O God, forgive and
save me from hardness of heart. Deliver me from the pride that would
close my heart to your power and purpose. Rescue me from the lip
service of fruitless religiosity. Liberate me from the lies of
self-importance that dull my ears to your voice. Free me from the
illusions of self-reliance that squelch the Spirit's work in my life.
Make me ready to recognize, receive, and rejoice in the Good News of
Jesus. Strengthen my faith, change my heart, and make me fruitful as I
abide in you. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.Spiritual Formation Verses:Acts 3:19-2019 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.Resources:After You Believe: Why Christian Character Mattersby N. T. Wright

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About Me

I serve as the lead pastor with Valley Christian Church in Lakeville, MN and publish two blogs – Altered Faces (Faith, Humor, Life, and the Arts) and Useful Breath (a daily journal for Bible readers). You can contact me through my website which also has information about my music and ministry.